Fun Activities for Kids with Parents on a Budget

Let's face it, amusement parks are expensive. Add that with hotel and travel fees and you may have to work double time or find additional employment when you return. These are trying times with record unemployment in a struggling economy. But there are plenty of fun and innovative activities to indulge in without spending your hard-earned income or savings.

Visit a regional park.

They are everywhere. In most areas, quite honestly, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump away. A few of the activities families can dive into are horseback riding, canoeing or kayaking, hiking, biking, and camping. If there are any fees, they are usually nominal.

Head to the beach.

Although riding the waves is sure to make any child happy, don't limit this activity to the summer months. The beach can be a fun haven all year long.

Discover intriguing books at the library or local book store.

This activity might keep the whole family busy all day long. Look for books you remember reading when you were a child then share it with your children. Be sure to walk with them through every aisle and help them select books of interest. Find a cozy corner, sit on the floor if you have to, and let your children fill their imaginations with wondrous stories.

Take in a movie.

If you avoid the steep food and drink concessions and patiently endure the slew of advertisements theater owners make you sit through before the film begins, watching and anticipating the thrill of the latest movie can be exhilarating for the whole family. If movie theaters are not up your alley, visit a local dinner theater or play, which is far less expensive than traditional theaters. If you want to keep the family home, try Movies-On-Demand or perhaps sign up for home movie delivery services that are offered by companies such as Netflix or Blockbuster. Throw a bag of popcorn in the microwave or melt some cheese for your nachos and enjoy!

Play water balloon war.

Pick up a bag of balloons at your local grocer. Then have the kids fill them up with water and let chaos reign in the backyard. Invite all the kids in the neighborhood to join in.

Go bug hunting.

For some children this activity might take some getting used to. But for the curious and fearless minds, this activity can provide fulfilling surprises and a wonderful educational experience. A few dollars can get you a simple bug house or cage and net. Venture to the backyard, nearby woods, or the local park and see what you and your kids can find. Grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, butterflies, and caterpillars are just a few of the interesting insects you can seek and collect.

Challenge your kids in a board game or Go Fish.

There are a variety of board games for children of all ages. But be sure to select one that aids in social, problem-solving, and motor skill development. Go Fish is a favorite among many families since it allows children to develop decision-making and social skills.

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There are plenty of activities for families to enjoy. Teach your children about your budget. Then guide your children with ideas to start and let them participate in discovering more innovative ways to have fun for the family.